Viking Skull - Doom, Gloom, Heartache and Whiskey

Sometimes we just need music that will encourage us to hit the local bar, grab a beer and act like silly pricks with our best buddies. None of that pretentious overcomplicated or intellectual stuff that is in vogue nowadays, just some invigorating and instantly enjoyable tunes that will stick in your mind like super-clue and whose ultimate goal is to entertain. Viking Skull’s third full-length album “Doom, Gloom, Heartache and Whiskey”, like some of the best albums in Metal history was crafted with that purpose, to entertain the listener, pure and simple.
Initially regarded as a joke band that started off as a side project from UK’s badass group Raging Speedhorn, Viking Skull are now a slightly different proposition that possess little affiliation with said act. With vocalist/guitarist Roddy Stone steady at the wheel and featuring once again the services of US drummer Jess Margera from CKY, Viking Skull have penned a solid record that is roaring and rough, yet it continues to display their tongue-in-cheek humour from the very beginning to the end.
Most of the songs are really catchy, packed with memorable hooks that require very precious little thought. The title theme for instance rocks so hard, with such a groovy vibe that will force grandmas to lift up from the wheelchairs to boogie like there is no tomorrow. Displaying some repetitive and rocking riffs laden with a rather laid-back groove coupled with the liquor-soaked snarl of Stone “Doom, Gloom, Heartache and Whiskey” is more infectious than the influenza virus. The back to basics approach of “In Hell” has the name of Black Sabbath stamped all over it and also possesses a formidable and easily assimilating groove. Also worthy of mention is the filthy, sleazy rocking vibe of “Double or Quits”, a track that wouldn't sound out of place on WASP’s back catalogue.
I guess some will find our choice for album of the month rather dubious given the number of records issued recently that are better written, better played and better produced, but let’s face it! If the prospect of five individuals rehashing the most groovy and beefy riffs of Black Sabbath, adding the punk-rock edge of Motorhead and the dirty vibe of WASP doesn’t sound irresistible appealing to you that means you’re just a bloody poseur. Sip it up! (8/10)

Band info: www.myspace.com/vikingskull
Label info: www.myspace.com/poweragerecords